Recent Events

On Saturday 14 November, we held a “Messiah from Scratch” concert. People came from all over the local area to rehearse in the afternoon and perform in the evening. Particular thanks to our Director of Music, Jonathan Holmes, for organizing and conducting the event; to our soloists Eleanor Penfold, Rachel Chalkley-Gunton, and Frankie Postles; and to the organist, Simon Gregory. Arthur Mathews and his team provided the interval refreshments, and over £500 was raised for the church organ fund. These much needed funds will be used to provide replacements for worn springs in the organ mechanism.

On 26 September 2015, we held our annual “Day for all”. The church was open, and filled with many visitors who came to try out the various activities, hear talks, and much more. The photos below show our children’s hour demonstrated some of their favourite songs, and Nonsuch Ringers gave a demonstration of handbell ringing.

UPDATE: The Prayer tree, training in hand bells, and John Baxter’s “Five Years in Prison” talk were also very popular.

The Guides and Brownies got us all involved in craft activities, and tea and coffee were served in the hall.

On Sunday 5 July, our annual parish picnic took place in Glyn House grounds, kindly facilitated by Ewell Castle School. Churchgoers of all ages enjoyed a bring-and-share picnic and beautiful weather, while the children played various outdoor games.

On Wednesday 10 June 2015, the second St Mary’s Annual Lecture took place in church, and we were privileged to welcome as our lecturer General Lord Dannatt, former Chief of the General Staff (that is, head of the Army), and Vice-President of the Armed Forces Christian Union. Lord Dannatt spoke about leadership, and especially about the importance of faith and spiritual matters in leading. After his inspiring lecture, Lord Dannatt was good enough to answer a number of questions, which ranged from political to spiritual matters.

The Spring Market is an annual event at St Mary’s church in which we sell plants, cakes, books, and bric-a-brac, and hold a cafe and raffle. The money raised acts as the float for us to put on the Ewell Village Fair. This year’s total was a wonderful £818. Many thanks to all those involved.

On Saturday 25 April 2015, the Social Committee of St Mary’s put on “A Comedy of Errors”. This parish dinner — with Shakespeare-themed entertainment — was a great success. Marvellous food, good company, and great entertainment.

On Sunday 15 February, we welcomed the Archdeacon of Dorking, the Ven. Paul Bryer, who preached at the 9:30am service, and blessed our newly-refurbished parish room. Many thanks were expressed for all who made it possible through donations and through hard work and talent, and we prayed for all who will use the room for years to come.

Later on in the day, many of our Toddle Up! congregation enjoyed a splendid lunch in the church hall, and the day was rounded off by Choral Evensong sung by the parish choir. It was good to see over two hundred people in church today across our four very different services.